Date:22/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042214660400.htm

Tamil Nadu

5 rescued from building on fire

Staff Reporter

Rescuers reach flat from neighbouring building to effect the operation

BATTLING THE BLAZE: Firemen putting out the fire in George Town on Thursday. — Photo: K.Pichumani.

CHENNAI: Five persons, including a disabled girl, were rescued from a multi-storeyed building in George Town area, where a fire broke out on the ground floor on Thursday evening.

C. Sylendra Babu, Joint Commissioner of Police, North, said the building, located at the junction of Govindappa Naicken Street and Audiappa Naicken Street, had bleaching powder stacked on the ground floor.

The powder caught fire around 6.50 p.m., trapping a family on the top floor, which included a handicapped girl.

The family comprised Ram Naik Lal, his wife Prabha Bai, disabled daughter Jaskwar (20), son Rakesh along with their maidservant Latha.

Alerted by the neighbours about the trapped family, a team led by Mr Babu reached the terrace of the building from a neighbouring building and broke down the door and entered the flat.

All the family members were rescued and brought down safely, he said. Mr Ram Naik was admitted to a private hospital in a serious condition, he added.

The Fire and Rescue Service personnel said seven tenders were pressed into service and they brought the blazes under control in about an hour and half.

A total of 30 firemen along with seven officers put out the fire, they added.

The fire has been blamed on an electrical short circuit.